South Peru – Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforests, July 2025

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01-16 JULY 2025

By Eduardo Ormaeche

South Peru birding report

Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird (photo Andrew Cutler).

Overview

In July 2025 we ran our South Peru: Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforest tour, and it was great to return to this destination after a couple of years’ absence. This trip is designed to provide both casual and serious birders with the opportunity to get a taste of the birds and wildlife that southern Peru offers. We visited famous and iconic destinations like the Andes, including the legendary archeological site of Machu Picchu standing in the cloud forest mountains of Cusco, and the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. We were able to feast our eyes on classic bird species, including Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Torrent Duck, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Paradise Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, White-throated Toucan, Laughing Falcon, Buff-tailed Sicklebill and King Vulture, to name a few.

The route also offered a selection of the most range-restricted species for serious birders and listers, such as White-throated Jacamar, Inca Wren, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Inca Flycatcher, Slaty Tanager, White-lined and Striated Antbirds, Bamboo Antshrike, Yungas Manakin, Black-backed Tody Tyrant, Peruvian Piedtail, Bearded Mountaineer, Blue-banded Toucanet, plus a few species of antpittas, including Red-and-white, Rufous-breasted and Urubamba Antpittas. We had fantastic encounters with other species such as Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Blue-and-yellow Macaw and Versicolored Barbet.

South Peru birding report

Giant (River) Otters are always a mammalian highlight of the trip (photo Andrew Cutler).

We had 13 full days of birding and recorded, amongst others, the following numbers of species: 43 hummingbirds, 18 parrots, 4 antpittas, 53 tanagers and allies and 23 species of mammals, including the endangered Giant (River) Otter.

It was very convenient to visit several feeding stations along the Manu Road, all of which have been opened to the public recently. Visitors can now fairly easily get closer views and photo opportunities of several bird species. We invite you to read the day-by-day description in the report below – we are sure it will be informative and fun. If you have never had the opportunity to visit this area, we hope this report will put this destination on your radar, and for the tour participants, we trust this will be a nice review of a memorable tour.

Detailed Report

Day 1, 1st July 2025. Arrival in Lima and transfer to hotel

The tour participants arrived in Lima, the capital of Peru, and they were transferred to our comfortable hotel for the night.

Day 2, 2nd July 2025. Flight to Puerto Maldonado and birding the surroundings

This morning we were transferred back to the airport to take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios state, located in southeast Peru. This state borders Brazil and Bolivia and is in the Amazon rainforest at an elevation of 600 feet (183 meters). This active and bustling town stands at the confluence of the Madre de Dios River and the Tambopata River, and is the gateway to several Amazon lodges in the Tambopata Reserve, as well as more remote areas like Los Amigos and the Manu River. There are daily connecting flights to Cusco or 300 miles (480 km) of road, and it is usually visited by tourists during the Peruvian winter (June-August). South American winters experience cold fronts coming from the south (Antarctic winds) which are known locally as Friajes. They cause temperatures to drop from an average of 91.4°F (33°C) to 50°F (10°C), with high humidity and cold. This does not happen all winter long but repeats itself five or six times, generally lasting about five days. We arrived in Puerto Maldonado at the end of a cold front and even though it was sunny, most of us felt quite chilly.

In spite of the cold our first afternoon of birding was great, with good species in rice fields outside town, including Horned Screamer, White-faced and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Brazilian Teal, Southern Lapwing, Collared Plover, Green Ibis, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Capped Heron, Large-billed Tern, numerous Wattled Jacanas, Wood Stork, Red-breasted Blackbird, Grassland Sparrow, Yellowish Pipit, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Lesser Yellowheaded Vulture, Snail Kite, and Red-bellied Macaw, amongst others. We returned to our hotel in town at sunset.

Day 3, 3rd July 2025. Visiting Sandoval Lake

After a tasty and generous breakfast, we went to Madre de Dios River to take a 45-minute boat trip to Sandoval Lake, located in Tambopata Reserve. Before sailing east, we stopped to look for White-throated Jacamar, which showed well but at the wrong angle for good photos. At the same place we also spotted a Brown-throated Sloth.During the boat ride we saw White-banded, Southern Rough-winged and White-winged Swallows, and Drab Water Tyrant.

The temperature was perfect, neither chilly nor hot. We walked slowly over 1.2 miles (2 km) along a wooden boardwalk to the lake, looking for birds along the way. Activity was slow but we managed some good birds, which kept our spirits high, such as Collared Trogon, Black-fronted Nunbird, Little Cuckoo (seen briefly by some), Red-stained Woodpecker, Masked Tityra, Olivaceous and Buff-throated Woodcreepers, Silver-beaked Tanager, Moustached Wren, Chivi Vireo, White-lored Tyrannulet, White-browed Antbird, Plain-throated, White-flanked and Grey Antwrens, Plain-winged and Fasciated Antshrikes, and the elusive Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. We had a nice view of Chestnut-capped Puffbird, which remained motionless for us. Once we arrived at the lake we had Grey-headed Tanager, a nice male Pink-throated Becard, Black-tailed Trogon (a female), Bluish-fronted Jacamar, White-shouldered Tanager and the handsome Red-necked Woodpecker. We tried for the impressive Long-billed Woodcreeper which sadly did not respond well, giving only a few glimpses around us.

The scenery and beauty of the oxbow lake, with calm waters surrounded by palms and trees, was outstanding. We spotted a few small Black Caimans on the water and a medium-sized one, about 8 feet (2.5 m) long, on the shore of the lake. Previously at high risk of extinction due to indiscriminate hunting, the world population is thankfully recovering, with an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 individuals in the wild. Another interesting creature was a Yellow-spotted River Turtle,which we saw well, posing and regulating its body temperature by resting on dead logs, with a butterfly occasionally alighting and licking salt from its head.

We had some pretty birds, including the monotypic Hoatzin and Sunbittern, both important targets for all participants. We enjoyed Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, Striated Heron, Black-capped Donacobius, Pale-vented Pigeon, Fork-tailed Palm Swifts, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga and Rufescent Tiger Heron.

We saw the most-wanted Giant (River) Otter at relatively close distance from the boat, this was probably the creature of the trip. This is an endangered species, due to decades of poaching for its velvety pelt. This fantastic animal is found in the Peruvian Amazon, one of its last bastions and shelters, with an estimated population of 1,000 to 5,000 individuals, and no more than 60 in captivity. It is the largest otter in the world.

We retreated to the trail and walked back to the river, admiring some of the distinctive indigenous trees and plants, many of which are truly eye-catching. Matthew managed to spot Ivory-billed Aracari and Spix’s Guan.

We returned to town for another night in Puerto Maldonado, fortunately our last chilly night.

Day 4, 4th July 2025. Transfer to Tambopata National Reserve and Chuncho Lodge

We left Puerto Maldonado and drove towards Filadelphia, passing through agricultural fields and secondary growth forest, parallel to the Tambopata River. After about an hour’s drive, and a few minutes along the river, we arrived at Chuncho Lodge, where we had a warm welcome and enjoyed a tasty lunch.

In the afternoon we birded the lodge clearing and adjacent trails and added Black-fronted Nunbird, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Blue-headed Parrot, Lineated and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Thrush-like Wren, plus the common Blue-grey, Silver-beaked and Palm Tanagers. The small hummingbird garden was productive, with our first hummingbirds of the trip, including Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Reddish and White-bearded Hermits, and a female Butterfly Coquette (a split from Festive Coquette, which is now only found in the Atlantic forests of South America).

Some of us did a night walk before dinner and were rewarded with a White-throated Tinamou (roosting at night). We heard Crested Owl and Amazonian Pygmy Owl, with no good answers. We also had our first encounter with the Amazon Night Monkey.

South Peru birding report

This White-throated Tinamou was seen roosting at night (photo Matthew Rice).

Day 5, 5th July 2025. Macaw clay lick and Chuncho Lodge

We had a predawn start, leaving the lodge at 04.30am, and sailed upriver to the Bahuaja Sonene National Park to visit the Chuncho clay lick. This clay lick is visited by parrots and macaws daily to ingest minerals and antioxidants. Upon arrival at certain rocky beaches of the Tambopata River, the boat lands in a specific area (where other lodge boats also park and visitors gather on the beach, sometimes several dozen depending on whether it is the tourist season). There is no blind (hide) between watchers and the birds, and visitor etiquette is based on each group’s guide’s advice.

It was a foggy morning and navigation was tricky, nevertheless, the expert boat drivers ensured a safe round trip. We had a field breakfast and then approached as close as possible, but the distance was still far enough so that spotting scopes were preferred and photography was not ideal.

We waited longer than expected and then the birds gathered in large flocks, mostly parakeets and parrots, with species like Blue-headed Parrot and Yellow-crowned Amazon, followed by plenty of Mealy Amazons and a few Orange-cheeked Parrots, a highly attractive South American parrot. Small parrots displayed while waiting for the large parrots. We had some other good birds in the vicinity, including Orinoco Goose, a scarce species in Peru and named after the Orinoco River (one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of the volume of water discharged at its delta). We also saw Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns, Black Skimmer, Capped Heron, Pied Plover, Swallow-winged Puffbird, Roadside Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Lineated Woodpecker, Great Potoo (at a daytime roost), Black Caracara, Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, and our first King Vulture. Minutes later we had impressive Scarlet and Blue-and-yellow Macaws (fewer in number) and numerous Red-and-green Macaws. We saw fewer birds than expected, both descending the cliffs or at the clay lick itslef, perhaps because of the weather. Nevertheless, from a birding perspective it was magical to see all these birds flying by, don’t get me wrong!

We left the clay lick and returned to the lodge in time for lunch and a brief siesta. Later we went to watch the forest canopy from the 130-foot (40 meter) high scaffold tower. It was a mission to get up there, but once at the platform (if you don’t suffer from vertigo) it was a unique experience which allowed us to get good views of canopy birds. From here, we had a nice session, with views of Lettered and Chestnut-eared Aracaris, White-throated Toucan, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Bat Falcon, Masked Tityra, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Olive Oropendola, plus some others. However, the best was probably having closer views of Blue-and-yellow Macaw and, flight views of the trio of Scarlet Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw and Chestnut-fronted Macaw, showing its nice blue color under its wings. We saw the uncommon Black-capped Parakeet on a short mating session, this species can be hard to detect in the region.

We returned to the lodge and some tour participants decided to go for a night walk, finding Amazonian Pygmy Owl.

Day 6, 6th July 2025. Chuncho Lodge

Today we spent our last day at the lodge. We started birding the hummingbird garden, where we found a male Butterfly Coquette which provided a lot of wows! Throughout the morning we explored one of the trails and had good views of Blue-headed Macaw, Amazonian Motmot, Bluish-slate Antshrike, which is often a mixed feeding flock sentinel, Plain-throated and White-flanked Antwrens, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, White-browed and White-lined Antbirds, Chestnut-tailed Antbird, White-throated Antbird, Plain-crowned Spinetail, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Forest Elaenia, White-winged Becard, Western Striolated Puffbird, White-fronted Nunbird, Rufous Motmot, Channel-billed Toucan, Rufous-capped Nunlet and Screaming Piha, one of the classic species of the amazon rainforest with its extraordinarily loud voice, reaching 116 decibels, the second loudest call in the world after White Bellbird. We heard Starred Wood Quail and had a glimpse of Undulated Tinamou on the way back to the lodge.

In the afternoon we took our boat to explore the Quebrada El Gato (“Cat’s Stream”), located upriver. The bird activity was generally slow, nevertheless we managed to add a few new species including Speckled Chachalaca, Spix’s Guan, Violaceous Jay, Short-crested Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Black Caracara, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Olive Oropendola, Channel-billed Toucan and a few others

Back at the lodge we enjoyed a large troop of countless Squirrel Monkeys and at dusk we saw Pauraque around the cabins.

South Peru birding report

Undulated Antpitta near Ollantaytabo (photo Matthew Rice).

Day 7, 7th July 2025. Flight to Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo

We had an easy start, packed our luggage and prepared for the transfer back to Puerto Maldonado and then our flight to Cusco. Everything went smoothly and we landed in Cusco and were met by Hilmar, our main driver for the following days. He drove us out of the city using shortcuts and detours, trying to avoid the traffic. It seemed he was in a hurry of an unknown nature but we later realized he was coordinating with the caretakers of Paraiso de los Colibries feeding station to ensure they only fed the most-wanted Undulated Antpitta to coincide with our arrival. It took almost an hour and a half to reach this feeding station along the sacred valley of the Urubamba River. The tour participants were neither expecting to visit such a place nor to be able to witness the large Undulated Antpitta on a worm feeder. The participants were ecstatic, and also enjoyed views of some other great birds such as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing (the second largest hummingbird in the world) and Giant Hummingbird (the largest hummingbird in the world). What a moment of excitement!

The hummingbird feeders further included Tyrian Metaltail, White-bellied Hummingbird and Sparking Violetear (the bully of the andes). We also enjoyed views of Golden-billed Saltator, Black-backed Grosbeak, Rufous-collared Sparrow and Chiguanco Thrush.

It was getting late, and we had to leave before dark, so continued our drive to Ollantaytambo. We wished we could have stayed longer, this is definitely a place that requires a full day for photographers, as it is often visited by other species that we didn’t see during our short visit.

Day 8, 8th July 2025. Train to Aguas Calientes and visit to Machu Picchu

It’s generally a good idea to stay at Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m elevation) versus Cusco (11,200 ft / 3,400 m elevation) during your first day in the mountains. The elevation is gentler, and the gardens of our hotel were surrounded by bird species. We spent about two hours birding the gardens, looking for the endemic Bearded Mountaineer which, after some searching, provided great views. This was species number 1,000 of the personal life list of our young participant Matthew, he will surely never forget that morning!

The garden held Black-backed Grosbeak, Spot-winged Pigeon, Cinereous Conebill, Hooded Siskin, Greenish Yellow Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater, Rusty Flowerpiercer and Black-tailed Trainbearer. Later we had a comfortable train ride for an hour and a half to the town of Aguas Calientes, the rendezvous for the Machu Picchu archeological site. We had a cultural visit scheduled for the afternoon. Then we did part of the “tourist routine”, which involved queuing to get the bus up to the ruins and being escorted by the cultural site guide, who gave us a good introduction to Machu Picchu and the history of the Incas. The views, especially from the top, were amazing, and we were very happy to see endemic Inca Wrens performing, with close-up views of a family foraging a few feet from us. It was fun to see Montane Vizcacha, an indigenous rodent of the Andes, at the ruins. This is a social animal which feeds on mountain grass and lives in rocky areas in the mountains reaching 14,000 feet (4,270 m), with a distribution from Ecuador to Argentina.

We enjoyed the comfort of the hotels and the nice and varied meals of the local restaurants.

Day 9, 9th July 2025. Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Puente Ruinas)

Today we left the hotel at dawn to explore the forest along the Urubamba River, where most of the bird diversity in Machu Picchu is found. We started with views of Torrent Duck, one of the classic birds of the Andes. We hit our first mixed flock near the butterfly visitor center and had close-up views of the colorful Versicolored Barbet. In addition, we had other good species such as Fawn-breasted Tanager, Slaty Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Variable Antshrike, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Mottled-cheeked Tyrannulet, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Chivi Vireo, Tropical Parula, Russet-crowned Warbler, Slate-throated Whitestart and Grey-breasted Wood Wren. We scanned the river looking for White-capped Dipper, without success, but we found Torrent Tyrannulet and Fasciated Tiger Heron.

South Peru birding report

Torrent Duck below Machu Picchu (photo Andrew Cutler).

We had nice encounters with Andean Guan, Dusky-green Oropendola, Pale-legged Warbler, Oleaginous Hemispingus, the endemic Inca Flycatcher, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, White-tipped Swift, White-tipped Dove, Andean Motmot, Mitred Parakeet and Barred Becard. We looked for Masked Fruiteater, unfortunately without success, but a female Andean Cock-of-the-rock showed well with her cryptic coloration. Another nice addition was the near-endemic Blue-banded Toucanet,found only in the yungas of central and southern Peru and extending into Bolivia. A great selection of hummingbirds included the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Green Hermit, Chestnut-breasted Coronet and White-bellied Hummingbird.

South Peru birding report

The near-endemic Blue-banded Toucanet seen below Machu Picchu (photo Andrew Cutler).

Later we visited the feeders of the butterfly visitor center, where we had nice views of Thick-billed and Orange-bellied Euphonias, White-lined Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager and Silver-backed Tanager (Silvery Tanager).

Finally, we had a Speckled-faced Parrot which remained nicely perched for photos. We returned to town, scanned the river for dippers, ate lunch and enjoyed some spare time, then caught our train back to Ollantaytambo. Some of us got views of White-capped Dipper in the stream adjacent to the train station. We arrived back in Ollantaytambo and Hilmar met us again and drove us to Cusco, where we spent a night in our nice downtown boutique-style hotel.

Day 10, 10th July 2025. Huacarpay Wetlands and transfer to Manu Road

Today we were to visit Manu Road, the famous road that connects the high Andes with the yungas and cloudforest of Cusco and eventually the Amazon rainforest in the Madre de Dios state. The altitude varies between 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) and 1,600 feet (500 meters) along this road.

We started the day visiting the Huacarpay wetlands, where the first target was the endemic skulker, Rusty-fronted Canastero, which, after playing hide-and-seek, we managed to see well. Other birds included Puna Ibis, Andean Gull, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Bare-face Ground Dove, Chiguanco Thrush, White-crested Elaenia, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Wren-like Rushbird and the handsome Many-colored Rush Tyrant. There were waterfowl too distant for photos but we managed to identify Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail and Yellow-billed Teal. Additionally, we saw Andean Lapwing, Common Gallinule and Andean Coot, with Plumbeous Rail giving us a show – this is probably the best place to see this rail coming right out into the open. We continued our drive towards Paucartambo, reaching high elevations near 13,000 ft (3,962 m).

We then drove through little Andean villages at high altitude, and fairly easily got super views of Andean Ibis while traveling. We hurried to avoid traffic congestion due to local festivities in Paucartambo. We ate lunch at a new restaurant with hummingbird feeders and saw White-bellied Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer and White-bellied Woodstar.

We arrived at the tree line at Acjanaco, the entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve at 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) but it was sadly very quiet. We thus continued the drive down the mountain and spotted a Yungas Pygmy Owl, unfortunately we could not see it well, despite our best efforts. We also saw Andean Guan, White-collared Jay, Mountain Cacique and Plain-breasted Hawk.

Our first mixed species flock encountered on the Manu Road provided Hooded Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Spectacled Whitestart, Masked Flowerpiercer, the striking Grass-green Tanager, the uncommon Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Tyrian Metaltail, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, White-throated Tyrannulet and Three-striped Hemispingus.

We arrived at Wayquecha Biological Station and were pleased by the improvements here, such as Wi-Fi, and a better main building reception, bird feeders and meals – bravo to the chef!

South Peru birding report

Red-and-white Antpitta at the Wayquecha feeders (photo Andrew Cutler).

Day 11, 11th July 2025. Antpitta feeders and transfer to Cock of the Rock Lodge

Wayquecha deserves plenty of time to bird, at an easy pace, exploring the different areas of the cloudforest mountain habitat of Pillahuata. We had to maximize our time and effort and thus focused on the most-wanted antpittas that, for the first time, are being fed at worm stations in Manu. The first of the antpittas was the endemic Urubamba Antpitta (a split from Rufous Antpitta, named after the valley of Urubamba in Cusco). Later we moved to look for the endemic Red-and-white Antpitta,which took longer to show up but eventually provided great views. Finally, we moved to the last station where the small Rufous-breasted Antpitta (a split from Rusty-breasted Antpitta, also known as Leymebamba Antpitta, after the town of Leymebamba in the northern Andes of Peru) was waiting for us and gave great views.

South Peru birding report

Urubamba Antpitta – another Peruvian endemic (photo Andrew Cutler).

We birded the Pillahuata zone, descending to lower elevations. We scored with a couple of Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans,which were big targets for our tour participants, especially Andrew. In the same area we found both Barred Fruiteater and Band-tailed Fruiteater, the latter providing good views and photos. We also had great encounters with Red-crested Cotinga and a couple of Citrine Warblers, Grey-eared Brushfinch, (Black-faced) Cinnamon Flycatchers and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, to name a few.

South Peru birding report

Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, of the lateralis subspecies (photo Andrew Cutler).

The hummingbird feeders at Wayquecha provided views of Long-tailed Sylph and the near-endemic Gould’s Inca, found only in southern Peru and Bolivia and elevated to a full species in 2022. It is named after the 19th century British ornithologist John Gould. After lunch we drove down to San Pedro, making a few stops to add Andean Motmot, White-eared Solitaire, Mountain Wren, Scaly-naped Amazon (the only species of Amazona parrot that reaches high elevations) and Chestnut-collared Swift. Fortunately, it did not rain and the weather was perfect.

Later, we arrived at Cock of the Rock Lodge for three nights’ stay.

Day 12, 12th July 2025. Cock of the Rock Lodge and La Union

The minimal parrot activity previously at the macaw clay lick was compensated by the bird activity at the feeders and gardens of Cock of the Rock Lodge. The activity was incredible when compared to other months like late August and September, when it is dry and slow. I think that arriving when the cold front was completely over caused us to experience activity throughout the day. The hummingbirds were active, with constantly busy Many-spotted Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Peruvian Racket-tail, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and Green Hermit, while the endemic Peruvian Piedtail fed regularly at the flowering bushes in the garden. Speckled Hummingbird fed in the hibiscus flowers around the dining room. While enjoying a nice breakfast and cup of coffee, other birds and creatures arrived in the garden. Some birds performed very well for us, including striking Paradise Tanagers (of the nominate race) feeding on melastomataceas berries. They were very low, not near the tops of the trees as is usually the case, which allowed almost eye-level views. Spotted Tanager and Blue-necked Tanager also fed nice and low, while Golden-eared Tanager came right to the feeders. Next up was Golden Tanager, which descended to the bird feeders, together with Orange-bellied Euphonia and Blue-grey Tanager, followed by striking Versicolored Barbets (male and female) at the feeders. Other species that showed around the garden were Buff-throated Saltator, Speckled Chachalaca and Dusky-green and Russet-backed Oropendolas. We also had Bolivian Squirrel, Brown Agouti and a shy Tayra, a large terrestrial mustelid, coming to feed on the fruit.

The striking Lemon-throatedBarbet (photo Andrew Cutler).

The lodge was immersed in bird calls from the forest, including skulkers like Yungas Manakin, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Scaly-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Antthrush and Chestnut-backed Antshrike. The lodge surroundings provided Stripe-chested Antwren, Marbled-faced Bristle Tyrant, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, Two-banded Warbler, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (also known as Deep-blue Flowerpiercer), Hauxwell’s Thrush, Andean Motmot, Slate-throated Whitestart and Bronze-green Euphonia, and we had nice views of Swallow-tailed Kite, always a pleasure to see.

We went up to an area known as la Union because we had heard there was a new feeding station that was worth a visit. The place is sometimes referred to as “Victor’s Feeders”. Upon arrival we were received by Victor and enjoyed Versicolored Barbet, and a splendid Golden-collared Honeycreeper on the feeder. Other tanagers included Golden-naped, Blue-necked, Golden, Spotted, Blue-capped and White-lined Tanagers. We had our first rain of the trip, which thankfully was more like thick drizzle, so we kept birding. From the road we had a flock containing Bolivian Tyrannulet and the beautiful Orange-eared Tanager.

In the afternoon we explored the road down from the lodge, a few sections of that stretch of road were muddy but fine to walk. We birded at a slow and relaxed pace and eventually spotted a pair of Amazonian Umbrellabirds – we could see the male through the scope on the other side of the river – which made the whole group happy. In the evening some of us saw Rufescent Screech Owl around the lodge cabins.

South Peru birding report

The male Amazonian Umbrellabird showed incredibly well for us along the Manu Road (photo Andrew Cutler).

Day 13, 13th July 2025. Inka Amazonia and Bamboo Lodge Feeders

We spent the morning visiting some new feeders down the road, beyond and below the Pilcopata sector at between 1,640 – 1,970 feet (500-600 meters) elevation. Our first station took us to visit Jardin de Picaflores Inka Amazonia. We walked down to the photography and observation blind (hide) to see the impressive King Vultures and we feasted our eyes on great sightings of this iconic species. This, together with Lagarto Cocha in northern Costa Rica, are the only photographic blinds (hides) for King Vulture in the whole of the neotropics.

South Peru birding report

King Vulture at the photography blind in Manu (photo Andrew Cutler).

After this we moved to the main garden, where the bird feeders have been placed. We had a great morning, with Blue-necked Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Purple Honeycreeper, Rufous-bellied Euphonia and several Orange-bellied Euphonias. Other additions to the trip were Turquoise Tanager and the exquisite Lemon-throated Barbet as well as a single male Yellow-bellied Dacnis. We also added Wedge-billed Woodcreeper and Plain-crowned Spinetail and, to our surprise, a female Plum-throated Cotinga under the top of the cecropia trees. The excitement peaked when we saw the outstanding male!

South Peru birding report

Versicolored Barbet at a feeding station (photo Andrew Cutler).

Hummingbirds included the most-wanted Rufous-crested Coquette, one of the favorites of the participants. Others included White-necked Jacobin (the name originates from the bird’s plumage pattern which resembles the hooded robes of Dominican friars, known as Jacobins), a single Blue- tailed Emerald, Grey-breasted Sabrewing (the largest hummingbird in this part of the Amazon rainforest), Long-billed Starthroat, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, the smart Gould’s Jewelfront, White-bearded Hermit and White-browed Hermit, a very localized species in Peru. Only Charlotte and Matthew had a glimpse of the Buff-tailed Sicklebill.

South Peru birding report

The tiny Rufous-crested Coquette (photo Andrew Cutler).

We spent the whole morning there, then had lunch at Manu Biolodge (previously Villa Carmen). We then made a short visit to Bamboo Lodge, where the only new addition to our list was Green-and-gold Tanager on a feeder. We returned to Cock of the Rock Lodge area and went to see its namesake species displaying at the lek. The famous Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek here is shared by several visitors that are traveling through or staying in the area. The lek activity happens in the early morning and late afternoon. We waited a while and were rewarded with great views of several males displaying. In addition of the national bird of Peru, we had great views of Common Woolly Monkey, we were fortunate as this primate is not always seen.

South Peru birding report

Rufescent Screech Owl was seen at Cock of the Rock Lodge (photo Matthew Rice).

At lunchtime we briefly visited a spot to find Great Potoo at its daytime roost and some Black-capped Night Monkeys.

In the evening, while washing the vehicle, our driver Hilmar heard the calls of Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Amy and Matthew approached the area and managed to get the male in flight – they were very happy!

Day 14, 14th July 2025. Manu Endemic Reserve and transfer to Manu BioLodge

We left Cock of the Rock Lodge and went to another new feeding station garden called Manu Endemic Reserve, where we repeated the hummers we had seen yesterday. We tried to get Buff-tailed Sicklebill which usually shows right in the open. Unfortunately, and despite all the time invested, it didn’t show up for us this morning (only showing at 11.30am, after we had left, according to the owner). Nevertheless, it was not in vain as we found new birds including Pale-tailed Barbthroat (a widespread Amazonian species, but quite scarce). We had views of Black-throated Mango, White-browed Hermit, Great-billed Hermit, Rufous-crested Coquette and Fork-tailed Woodnymph amongst others. Along with Masked Tanager, Blue-crowned Trogon, Magpie Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Long-tailed Tyrant, Grey-headed Kite, Yellow-rumped Cacique and Crested Oropendola.

We continued to Pilcopata and Manu Biolodge, where we stayed a night. In the afternoon we explored the surrounding openings, including the botanical gardens and visited the bird blind (hide), where we had fine views of Undulated Tinamou. It was great to see this bird vocalizing, one of the most iconic calls of the Amazon. We also saw Pectoral Sparrow and Grey-fronted Dove.

We returned to the lodge and had good views of Grey-capped Flycatcher, White-eyed Parakeet, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Chestnut-eared Aracari, White-lored Euphonia (also known as Golden-bellied Euphonia), Social Flycatcher, Blue-throated Piping Guan and Spix’s Guan. Some participants managed to see Slender-billed Xenops, Sunbittern, Rufescent Tiger Heron and Grey-cowled Wood Rail. At night we saw and heard a Tropical Screech Owl around the cabins.

South Peru birding report

Cinereous Tinamou at Manu Biolodge (photo Andrew Cutler).

Day 15, 15th July 2025. Manu Biolodge and transfer to Cusco

Our last day in Manu had a great start with us back in the bird blind where we had Cinereous Tinamou and Undulated Tinamou, feeding together. In addition, we heard Black-capped Tinamou but it wouldn’t show, even though we waited about an hour for it. We tried for Ringed Antpipit but this remained heard only, and we saw Chestnut-tailed Antbird.

We left the lodge for the long drive back to Cusco, hoping to avoid traffic problems in Paucartambo because today was the main day of the town’s celebrations. Our first stop was at Chonquechaca, where we had great views of the handsome Black-backed Tody Tyrant, another Peruvian endemic. Further up the road, back in the cloudforest and with perfect weather for raptors, we didn’t find any eagles, but we had a nice male Golden-headed Quetzal. We arrived back at Wayquecha, had lunch and continued the drive back to Cusco along an infrequently used road because the main section between Paucartambo and Cusco was closed due to the heavy traffic for the celebrations.

We said goodbye to the high Andes of Cusco, thinking about a lovely trip which had been enjoyed by all tour participants. I’ like to thank the tour group for being such great participants, the lodge staff who worked so hard to provide great service and memorable experiences, including bird reserves staff and feeder staff, as well as our skillful and attentive driver, Hilmar, who went the extra mile to ensure the success of the tour.

We arrived back at Cusco and enjoyed our final dinner as a group in a tourist restaurant, where a musical show entertained us all.

Day 16, 16th July 2025. Transfer to the airport and flight back to Lima

We were transferred to Cusco airport to connect to our flight back to Lima and home. Andrew and Debra stayed for a couple of extra days to explore the city.

Bird ListFollowing IOC (14.2)

Birds ‘heard-only’ are marked with (H) after the common name; all other species were seen.

Common NameScientific Name
Tinamous (Tinamidae)
White-throated TinamouTinamus guttatus
Undulated TinamouCrypterellus undulatus
Cinereous TinamouCrypturellus cinereus
Black-capped Tinamou (H)Crypturellus atrocapillus
Screamers (Anhimidae)
Horned ScreamerAnhima cornuta
Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Anatidae)
White-faced Whistling DuckDendrocygna viduata
Black-faced Whistling DuckDendrocygna autumnalis
Torrent DuckMerganetta armata
Orinoco GooseNeochen jubata
Brazilian TealAmazonetta brasiliensis
Puna TealSpatula puna
Cinnamon TealSpatula cyanoptera
Yellow-billed PintailAnas georgica
Yellow-billed TealAnas flavirostris
Chachalacas, Curassows, Guans (Cracidae)
Speckled ChachalacaOrtalis guttata
Andean GuanPenelope montagnii
Spix’s GuanPenelope jacquacu
Blue-throated Piping GuanPipile cumanensis
Nightjars (Caprimulgidae)
ParauqueNyctidromus albicollis
Lyre-tailed NightjarUropsalis lyra
Potoos (Nyctibiidae)
Great PotooNyctibius grandis
Swifts (Apodidae)
White-collared SwiftStreptoprocne zonaris
Chestnut-collared SwiftStreptoprocne rutila
Grey-rumped SwiftChaetura cinereiventris
Short-tailed SwiftChaetura brachyura
White-tipped SwiftChaetura brachyura
Fork-tailed Palm SwiftTachornis squamata
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)
White-necked JacobinFlorisuga mellivora
Buff-tailed SicklebillEutoxeres condamini
Pale-tailed BarbthroatThrenetes leucurus
Reddish HermitPhaethornis ruber
White-browed HermitPhaethornis stuarti
White-bearded HermitPhaethornis hispidus
Green HermitPhaethornis guy
Great-billed HermitPhaethornis malaris
Lesser VioletearColibri cyanotus
Sparkling VioletearColibri coruscans
Black-eared FairyHeliothryx auritus
Black-throated MangoAnthracothorax nigricollis
Amethyst-throated SunangelHeliangelus amethysticollis
Rufous-crested CoquetteLophornis delattrei
Butterfly CoquetteLophornis verreauxii
Peruvian PiedtailPhlogophilus harterti
Speckled HummingbirdAdelomyia melanogenys
Long-tailed SylphAglaiocercus kingii
Black-tailed TrainbearerLesbia victoriae
Green-tailed TrainbearerLesbia nuna
Bearded MountaineerOreonympha nobilis
Tyrian MetaltailMetallura tyrianthina
Bronzy IncaCoeligena coeligena
Gould’s IncaCoeligena inca
Violet-throated StarfrontletCoeligena violifer
Sword-billed HummingbirdEnsifera ensifera
Chestnut-breasted CoronetBoissonneaua matthewsii
Rufous-booted Racket-tailOcreatus addae
Gould’s JewelfrontHeliodoxa aurescens
Violet-fronted BrilliantHeliodoxa leadbeateri
Giant HummingbirdPatagona gigas
Long-billed StarthroatHeliomaster longirostris
White-bellied WoodstarChaetocercus mulsant
Blue-tailed EmeraldChlorostilbon mellisugus
Grey-breasted SabrewingCampylopterus largipennis
Fork-tailed WoodnymphThalurania furcata
Many-spotted HummingbirdTaphrospilus hypostictus
Golden-tailed SapphireChrysuronia oenone
Sapphire-spangled EmeraldChionomesa lactea
White-bellied HummingbirdElliotomyia chionogaster
Green-and-white HummingbirdElliotomyia viridicauda
White-chinned SapphireChlorestes cyanus
Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Smooth-billed AniCrotophaga ani
Squirrel CuckooPiaya cayana
Little CuckooCoccycua minuta
Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae)
Rock PigeonColumba livia
Band-tailed PigeonPatagioenas fasciata
Pale-vented PigeonPatagioenas cayennensis
Plumbeous PigeonPatagioenas plumbea
Spot-winged PigeonPatagioenas maculosa
Ruddy Ground DoveColumbina talpacoti
Bare-faced Ground DoveMetriopelia ceciliae
Grey-fronted DoveLeptotila rufaxilla
White-tipped DoveLeptotila verreauxi
Eared DoveZenaida auriculata
West Peruvian DoveZenaida meloda
Finfoots (Heliornithidae)
SungrebeHeliornis fulica
Rails, Crakes, and Coots (Rallidae)
Plumbeous RailPardirallus sanguinolentus
Grey-cowled Wood RailAramides cajaneus
Common GallinuleGallinula galeata
Andean CootFulica ardesiaca
Limpkin (Aramidae)
LimpkinAramus guarauna
Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Least GrebeTachybaptus dominicus
Plovers (Charadriidae)
Pied PloverHoploxypterus cayanus
Southern LapwingVanellus chilensis
Andean LapwingVanellus resplendens
Collared PloverAnarhynchus collaris
Jacanidae
Wattled JacanaJacana jacana
Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae)
Pantanal SnipeGallinago paraguaiae
Gulls and Terns (Laridae)
Black SkimmerRynchops niger
Large-billed TernPhaetusa simplex
Yellow-billed TernSternula superciliaris
Andean GullChroicocephalus serranus
Sunbittern (Eurypygidae)
SunbitternEurypyga helias
Storks (Ciconiidae)
WoodstorkMycteria americana
Anhingas(Anhingidae)
AnhingaAnhinga anhinga
Cormorant (Phalacrocoracidae)
Neotropic CormorantNannopterum brasilianum
Ibises (Threskiornithidae)
Green IbisMesembrinibis cayennensis
Puna IbisPlegadis ridgwayi
Andean IbisTheristicus branickii
Herons and Bitterns (Ardeidae)
Rufescent Tiger HeronTigrisoma lineatum
Fasciated Tiger HeronTigrisoma fasciatum
Black-crowned Night HeronNycticorax nycticorax
Snowy EgretEgretta thula
Cattle EgretBubulcus ibis
Capped HeronPilherodius pileatus
Striated HeronButorides striata
Great EgretArdea alba
Cocoi HeronArdea cocoi
Hoatzin (Opisthocomidae)
HoatzinOpisthocomus hoazin
New World Vultures (Cathartidae)
King VultureSarcoramphus papa
Black VultureCoragyps atratus
Turkey VultureCathartes aura
Greater Yellow-headed VultureCathartes melambrotus
Lesser Yellow-headed VultureCathartes burrovianus
Kites, Hawks and Eagles
Grey-headed KiteLeptodon cayanensis
Swallow-tailed KiteElanoides forficatus
Plain-breasted HawkAccipiter ventralis
Plumbeous KiteIctinia plúmbea
Snail KiteRostrhamus sociabilis
Great Black HawkButeogallus urubitinga
Roadside HawkRupornis magnirostris
Variable HawkGeranoaetus polyosoma
Owls (Strigidae)
Crested Owl (H)Lophostrix cristata
Burrowing OwlAthene cunicularia
Yungas Pygmy OwlGlaucidium bolivianum
Amazonian Pygmy OwlGlaucidium hardyi
Rufescent Screech OwlMegascops ingens
Tropical Screech OwlMegascops choliba
Tawny-bellied Screech Owl (H)Megascops watsonii
Trogons (Trogonidae)
Golden-headed QuetzalPharomachrus auriceps
Collared TrogonTrogon collaris
Black-tailed TrogonTrogon melanurus
Blue-crowned TrogonTrogon curucui
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Amazon KingfisherChloroceryle amazona
Green-and-rufous KingfisherChloroceryle inda
Green KingfisherChloroceryle americana
Ringed KingfisherMegaceryle torquata
Motmots (Momotidae)
Amazonian MotmotMomotus momota
Andean MotmotMomotus aequatorialis
Rufous MotmotBaryphthengus martii
Jacamar (Galbulidae)
Bluish-fronted JacamarGalbula cyanescens
White-throated JacamarBrachygalba albogularis
Puffbirds (Bucconidae)
Chestnut-capped PuffbirdBucco macrodactylus
Western Striolated PuffbirdNystalus obamai
Black-streaked PuffbirdMalacoptila fulvogularis
Rufous-capped NunletNonnula ruficapilla
Black-fronted NunbirdMonasa nigrifrons
White-fronted NunbirdMonasa morphoeus
Swallow-winged PuffbirdChelidoptera tenebrosa
New World Barbets (Capitonidae)
Lemon-throated BarbetEubucco richardsoni
Versicolored BarbetEubucco versicolor
Toucans (Ramphastidae)
Blue-banded ToucanetAulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis
Chestnut-eared AracariPteroglossus castanotis
Lettered AracariPteroglossus inscriptus
Ivory-billed AracariPteroglossus azara
Grey-breasted Mountain ToucanAndigena hypoglauca
Channel-billed ToucanRamphastos vitellinus
White-throated ToucanRamphastos tucanus
Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Yellow-tufted WoodpeckerMelanerpes cruentatus
Little WoodpeckerVeniliornis passerinus
Red-stained WoodpeckerVeniliornis affinis
Lineated WoodpeckerDryocopus lineatus
Crimson-crested WoodpeckerCampephilus melanoleucos
Red-necked WoodpeckerCampephilus rubricollis
Caracaras and Falcons (Falconidae)
Black CaracaraDaptrius ater
Red-throated CaracaraIbycter americanus
Mountain CaracaraPhalcoboenus megalopterus
Crested CaracaraCaracara cheriway
Laughing FalconHerpetotheres cachinnans
American KestrelFalco sparverius
New World Parrots (Psittacidae)
Cobalt-winged ParakeetBrotogeris cyanoptera
Orange-cheeked ParrotPyrilia barrabandi
Blue-headed ParrotPionus menstruus
Plum-crowned ParrotPionus tumultuosus
Yellow-crowned AmazonAmazona ochrocephala
Scaly-naped AmazonAmazona mercenaries
Mealy AmazonAmazona farinosa
Black-capped ParakeetPyrrhura rupicola
Dusky-headed ParakeetAratinga weddellii
Red-bellied MacawOrthopsittaca manilatus
Blue-headed MacawPrimolius couloni
Blue-and-yellow MacawAra ararauna
Scarlet MacawAra macao
Red-and-green MacawAra chloropterus
Chestnut-fronted MacawAra severus
Military MacawAra militaris
White-eyed ParakeetPsittacara leucophthalmus
Mitred ParakeetPsittacara mitratus
Ovenbirds (Furnariidae)
Olivaceous WoodcreeperSittasomus griseicapillus
Plain-brown WoodcreeperDendrocincla fuliginosa
Wedge-billed WoodcreeperGlyphorynchus spirurus
Cinnamon-throated WoodcreeperDendrexetastes rufigula
Long-billed WoodcreeperNasica longirostris
Elegant WoodcreeperXiphorhynchus elegans
Slender-billed XenopsXenops tenuirostris
Spotted BarbtailPremnoplex brunnescens
Pearled TreerunnerMargarornis squamiger
Wren-like RushbirdPhleocryptes melanops
Cream-winged CinclodesCinclodes albiventris
Montane Foliage-gleanerAnabacerthia striaticollis
Rusty-fronted CanasteroAsthenes ottonis
Plain-crowned SpinetailSynallaxis gujanensis
Azara’s SpinetailSynallaxis azarae
Antbirds (Thamnophilidae)
Stripe-chested AntwrenMyrmotherula longicauda
White-flanked AntwrenMyrmotherula axillaris
Long-winged AntwrenMyrmotherula longipennis
Grey AntwrenMyrmotherula menetriesii
Plain-throated AntwrenIsleria hauxwelli
Bluish-slate AntshikeThamnomanes schistogynus
Plain AntvireoDysithamnus mentalis
Barred AntshrikeThamnophilus doliatus
Chestnut-backed AntshrikeThamnophilus palliatus
Plain-winged AntshrikeThamnophilus schistaceus
Variable AntshrikeThamnophilus caerulescens
Fasciated AntshrikeCymbilaimus lineatus
Bamboo AntshrikeCymbilaimus sanctaemariae
Great AntshrikeTaraba major
Striated AntbirdDrymophila devillei
Peruvian Warbling AntbirdHypocnemis peruviana
Southern Chestnut-tailed AntbirdSciaphylax hemimelaena
White-lined AntbirdMyrmoborus lophotes
Plumbeous AntbirdMyrmelastes hyperythrus
Goeldi’s AntbirdAkletos goeldii
Western Fire-eyePyriglena maura
White-browed AntbirdMyrmoborus leucophrys
Antthrushes (Formicariidae) 
Black-faced AntthrushFormicarius analis
Rufous-breasted Annthrush (H)Formicarius rufipectus
Antpittas (Grallariidae)
Undulated AntpittaGrallaria squamigera
Urubamba AntpittaGrallaria occabambae
Red-and-white AntpittaGrallaria erythroleuca
Rufous-breasted AntpittaGrallaricula leymebambae
Tapaculos (Rhinocryptidae)
Bolivian Tapaculo (H)Scytalopus bolivianus
Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Yellow-bellied ElaeniaElaenia flavogaster
White-crested ElaeniaElaenia albiceps
Small-billed ElaeniaElaenia parvirostris
Sierran ElaeniaElaenia pallatangae
White-throated TyrannuletMecocerculus leucophrys
White-tailed TyrannuletMecocerculus poecilocercus
White-banded TyrannuletMecocerculus stictopterus
Torrent TyrannuletSerpophaga cinerea
Ringed Antpipit (H)Corythopis torquatus
Bolivian TyrannuletZimmerius bolivianus
Peruvian TyrannuletZimmerius viridiflavus
Marbled-faced Bristle TyrantPogonotriccus ophthalmicus
Mottle-cheeked TyrannuletPhylloscartes ventralis
Cinnamon-faced TyrannuletPhylloscartes parkeri
Streak-necked FlycatcherMionectes striaticollis
Olive-striped FlycatcherMionectes galbinus
Inca FlycatcherLeptopogon taczanowskii
Many-colored Rush TyrantTachuris rubrigastra
Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant (H)Lophotriccus pileatus
Common Tody-FlycatcherTodirostrum cinereum
Yellow-olive FlatbillTolmomyias sulphurescens
Cinnamon FlycatcherPyrrhomyias cinnamomeus
Black PhoebeSayornis nigricans
Smoke-colored PeweeContopus fumigatus
Vermillion FlycatcherPyrocephalus obscurus
Drab Water TyrantOchthornis littoralis
Long-tailed TyrantColonia colonus
Streak-thoated Bush TyrantMyiotheretes striaticollis
Piratic FlycatcherLegatus leucophaius
Social FlycatcherMyiozetetes similis
Grey-capped FlycatcherMyiozetetes granadensis
Great KiskadeePitangus sulphuratus
Lesser KiskadeePhilohydor lictor
Golden-crowned FlycatcherMyiodynastes chrysocephalus
Streaked FlycatcherMyiodynastes maculatus
Boat-billed FlycatcherMegarynchus pitangua
Tropical KingbirdTyrannus melancholicus
Short-crested FlycatcherMyiarchus ferox
Large-headed FlatbillRamphotrigon megacephalum
Bright-rumped AttilaAttila spadiceus
Cotingas (Cotingidae)
Barred FruiteaterPipreola arcuata
Band-tailed FruiteaterPipreola intermedia
Andean Cock-of-the RockRupicola peruvianus
Red-crested CotingaAmpelion rubrocristatus
Amazonian UmbrellabirdCephalopterus ornatus
Screaming PihaLipaugus vociferans
Plum-throated CotingaCotinga maynana
Manakins (Pipridae)
Yungas ManakinChiroxiphia boliviana
Fiery-capped ManakinMachaeropterus pyrocephalus
Tityras, Becards, and Sharpbill (Tityridae)
Masked TityraTityra semifasciata
Barred BecardPachyramphus versicolor
White-winged BecardPachyramphus polychopterus
Pink-throated BecardPachyramphus minor
Vireos (Vireonidae) 
Rufous-browed PeppershrikeCyclarhis gujanensis
Chivi VireoVireo chivi
Brown-capped VireoVireo leucophrys
Crows and Jays (Corvidae)
White-collared JayCyanolyca viridicyanus
Violaceous JayCyanocorax violaceus
Purplish JayCyanocorax cyanomelas
Martins and Swallows (Hirundinidae)
White-winged SwallowTachycineta albiventer
Southern Rough-winged SwallowStelgidopteryx ruficollis
White-banded SwallowAtticora fasciata
Blue-and-white SwallowPygochelidon cyanoleuca
Donacobious (Donacobiidae)
Black-capped DonacobiousDonacobius atricapilla
Wrens (Troglodytidae)
Thrush-like WrenCampylorhynchus turdinus
Grey-mantled WrenOdontorchilus branickii
Inca WrenPheugopedius eisenmanni
Moustached WrenPheugopedius genibarbis
House WrenTroglodytes aedon
Mountain WrenTroglodytes solstitialis
Grey-breasted Wood WrenHenicorhina leucophrys
Chestnut-breasted Wren (H)Cyphorhinus thoracicus
Mockingbirds and Thrashers (Mimidae)
Long-tailed MockingbirdMimus longicaudatus
Old World Sparrows (Passeridae)
House SparrowPasser domesticus
Thrushes (Turdidae)
Andean SolitaireMyadestes ralloides
White-eared SolitaireEntomodestes leucotis
Chiguanco ThrushTurdus chiguanco
Great ThrushTurdus fuscater
Hauxwell’s ThrushTurdus hauxwelli
Dippers (Cinclidae)
White-capped DipperCinclus leucocephalus
Siskins and Euphonias (Fringillidae)
Hooded SiskinSpinus magellanicus
Thick-billed EuphoniaEuphonia laniirostris
Orange-bellied EuphoniaEuphonia xanthogaster
Rufous-bellied EuphoniaEuphonia rufiventris
Bronze-green EuphoniaEuphonia mesochrysa
White-lored EuphoniaEuphonia chrysopasta
New World Sparrows (Passerillidae)
Yellow-throated ChlorospingusChlorospingus flavigularis
Common ChlorospingusChlorospingus flavopectus
Yellow-browed SparrowAmmodramus aurifrons
Grassland SparrowAmmodramus humeralis
Pectoral SparrowArremon taciturnus
Chestnut-capped BrushfinchArremon brunneinucha
Rufous-collared SparrowZonotrichia capensis
Grey-eared BrushfinchAtlapetes melanolaemus
American Blackbirds (Icteriidae)
Red-breasted BlackbirdLeistes militaris
Russet-backed OropendolaPsarocolius angustifrons
Crested OropendolaPsarocolius decumanus
Dusky-green OropendolaPsarocolius atrovirens
Olive OropendolaPsarocolius bifasciatus
Yellow-rumped CaciqueCacicus cela
Mountain CaciqueCacicus chrysonotus
Orange-backed TroupialIcterus croconotus
Epaulet OrioleCacicus chrysonotus
Giant CowbirdMolothrus oryzivorus
Scrub BlackbirdDives warczewiczi
Yellow-winged BlackbirdAgelasticus thilius
New World Warblers (Parulidae)
Tropical ParulaSetophaga pitiayumi
Pale-legged WarblerMyiothlypis signata
Citrine WarblerMyiothlypis luteoviridis
Two-banded WarblerMyiothlypis bivittata
Russet-crowned WarblerMyiothlypis coronata
Yungas WarblerBasileuterus punctipectus
Slate-throated WhitestartMyioborus miniatus
Spectacled WhitestartMyioborus melanocephalus
Cardinals and Allies (Cardinalidae)
Black-backed GrosbeakPheucticus aureoventris
Tanagers and Allies (Thraupidae)
Green HoneycreeperChlorophanes spiza
Golden-collared HoneycreeperIridophanes pulcherrimus
Swallow TanagerTersina viridis
Purple HoneycreeperCyanerpes caeruleus
Blue DacnisDacnis cayana
Yellow-bellied DacnisDacnis flaviventer
Black-faced DacnisDacnis lineata
Bluish-grey SaltatorSaltator coerulescens
Buff-throated SaltatorSaltator maximus
Golden-billed SaltatorSaltator aurantiirostris
BananaquitCoereba flaveola
Blue-black GrassquitVolatinia jacarina
Slaty TanagerCreurgops dentatus
Grey-headed TanagerEucometis penicillata
Black-googled TanagerTrichothraupis melanops
White-shouldered TanagerLoriotus luctuosus
White-lined TanagerTachyphonus rufus
Silver-beaked TanagerRamphocelus carbo
Yellow-bellied SeedeaterSporophila nigricollis
Oleaginous HemispingusSphenopsis frontalis
Black-eared HemispingusSphenopsis melanotis
Cinereous ConebillConirostrum cinereum
Greenish Yellow FinchSicalis olivascens
Slaty FinchHaplospiza rustica
Saffron FinchSicalis flaveola
Band-tailed SeedeaterCatamenia analis
Golden-eyed FlowerpiercerDiglossa glauca
Masked FlowerpiercerDiglossa cyanea
Rusty FlowerpiercerDiglossa sittoides
Black-throated FlowerpiercerDiglossa brunneiventris
Fawn-breasted TanagerPipraeidea melanonota
Blue-and-yellow TanagerRauenia bonariensis
Hooded Mountain TanagerButhraupis montana
Blue-capped TanagerSporathraupis cyanocephala
Chestnut-bellied Mountain TanagerDubusia castaneoventris
Grass-green TanagerChlorornis riefferii
Blue-winged Mountain TanagerAnisognathus somptuosus
Scarlet-bellied Mountain TanagerAnisognathus igniventris
Orange-eared TanagerChlorochrysa calliparaea
Magpie TanagerCissopis leverianus
Red-capped CardinalParoaria gularis
Spotted TanagerIxothraupis punctata
Yellow-bellied TanagerIxothraupis xanthogastra
Golden-naped TanagerChalcothraupis ruficervix
Blue-grey TanagerThraupis episcopus
Palm TanagerThraupis palmarum
Silver-backed TanagerStilpnia viridicollis
Blue-necked TanagerStilpnia cyanicollis
Masked TanagerStilpnia nigrocincta
Blue-and-black TanagerTangara vassorii
Bay-headed TanagerTangara gyrola
Golden-eared TanagerTangara chrysotis
Saffron-crowned TanagerTangara xanthocephala
Green-and-gold TanagerTangara schrankii
Golden TanagerTangara arthus
Turquoise TanagerTangara mexicana
Paradise TanagerTangara chilensis


Species seen:402
Species heard:8
Total recorded:410

Mammal List – Following Mammal Watching (April 2024)

Common nameScientific name
Sloths (Bradypodidae)
Brown-throated SlothBradypus variegatus
Tamarins and Marmoset (Callitrichidae)
Weddle’s saddle-backed TamarinLeontocebus weddelli
Aotidae (Night monkeys)
Black-capped Night MonkeyAotus nigriceps
Capuchins (Cebidae)
Tufted CapuchinSapajus apella
Black-capped Squirrel MonkeySaimiri boliviensis
Howler and Spider Monkeys (Atelidae)
Colombian red HowlerAlouatta seniculus
Common Wolly MonkeyLagothrix lagothricha
Otters and Weasels (Mustalidae)
Giant River OtterPteronura brasiliensis
TayraEira Barbara
Coatis (Procyonidae)
South American CoatiNasua nasua
Peccaries (Tayassuidae)
Collared PeccaryDicotyles tajacu
Deers (Cervidae)
Red BrocketMazama americana
Agouti (Dasyproctidae)
Brown AgoutiDasyprocta variegata
Rabbits, Hares (Leporidae)
Brazilian RabbitOryctolagus cuniculus
Squirrels (Sciuridae)
Bolivian SquirrelSciurus ignitus
Vizcacha and Chinchilla (Chinchillidae)
NorthernViscachaLagidium peruanum
Cavies, and Capybaras (Caviidae)
CapybaraHydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Andean Mountain CavyMicrocavia niata


Species seen:18

Reptile and Amphibians List – Following Reptiles of World (October 2023)

Common nameScientific name
Spectacled CaimanCaiman crocodilus
Black CaimanMelanosuchus niger
Smooth-fronted CaimanPaleosuchus trigonatus
Amazon RacerunnerAmeiva ameiva
Yellow-spotted Amazon River TurtlePodocnemis unifilis


Species seen:5

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